Thematic Concerns in Satish Alekars Select Plays

Abstract

Born on 30th January, 1949, Padmashree award recipient and a Biochemist by qualification, newlineSatish Alekar has been practicing theatre in Maharashtra since 1970. He forms a trinity with newlineVikay Tendulkar and Mahesh Elkunchwar and they together have revolutionized Marathi newlinetheatre through their experimental plays to a greater extent. Many of his plays have been newlinetranslated, produced and published in several Indian regional languages like Hindi, Tamil, newlineDogri, Kannada, Gujarathi, Rajasthani, Punjabi, and Konkni. Basically written in Marathi, newlineas many as six plays of his have been translated into English. These are: Mickey ani newlineMemsahib (Mickey and Memsahib-1973), Mahanirvan (Dread Departure-1974), Mahapoor newline(Deluge-1975), Begum Barve (1979), Atirekee (The Terrorist-1990) and Pidhijat (Dynasts- newline2003). Further, he also has produced several one act plays in Marathi which includes newlineMemory (1969), Bhajan (1969), Ek Zulta Pool (1971), Dar Koni Ughadat Naahi (1979) and newlineBus Stop (1980). His adapted/translated one act plays are Judge (1968), Yamuche Rahasya newline(1976), Bhint (1980), Valan (1980), Alshi Uttarvalyachi Gosht (1999), Nashibvan Baiche newlineDon (1999), Supari (2002) and Karmaachari (2009). He directed these plays for Lalit Kala newlineKendra (Centre for Performing Arts, University of Pune) and also for Theatre Academy, newlinePune. Alongside his literary career as a playwright, Satish Alekar honoured many key newlinepositions in various capacities. He is one of the founder members of Theatre Academy, newlinePune that he administered from 1973 to 1992. He also associated himself with several newlinexii newlinereputed foreign universities as adjunct professor and as a Fulbright Scholar. Prof. Alekar newlineserved many cultural organizations, institutes and universities like Bharat Bhavan, Sangeet newlineNatak Akademi, Delhi, National School of Drama, Centre of Performing Arts, S.N.D.T. newlineUniversity and Shivaji University in different capacities. Satish Alekar has contributed newlineimmensely as an actor in plays, TV serials and films. Besides, he has also contributed as newlinescript writer, director, colu